On Thursday, June 5, Keith Burks MBA ‘90, Tina Burks, Jay Sandhu ‘87, and Roop Sandhu were recognized for their significant and loyal philanthropic leadership to Butler University through the permanent namings of the Burks Wing and the Sandhu Wing within the Fairview House residential hall.
All four individuals contributed particularly significant leadership support throughout the immensely successful Butler Beyond comprehensive fundraising campaign, which ran from 2016-2022. Keith Burks and Jay Sandhu served successive terms as Chair of the Butler University Board of Trustees during the course of the campaign, with Burks serving in the role from 2014-2017 and Sandhu following from 2017-2020. Keith and Tina Burks also served as co-chairs of the campaign. The group’s combined philanthropic giving helped to advance several of the University’s most strategically significant projects during the Butler Beyond era, including the construction of Bill and Joanne Dugan Hall, the renovation of Hinkle Fieldhouse, and the growth of Butler’s scholarship endowment.
“At Butler University, we are extremely fortunate to have the partnership of leaders who not only give generously of their time and energy, but who also support our mission and vision by making significant philanthropic investments in our Butler community. Keith, Tina, Jay, and Roop have each made a lasting impact on Butler University through their service and commitment to future generations of Bulldogs. Their leadership and influence have made Butler a more welcoming and enriching environment for our students, so it is fitting to recognize their contributions in a place many of our students call home,” Butler University President Jim Danko said.
Keith earned his MBA from the Lacy School of Business in 1990 and served on the Board of Trustees from 2007-2021, during which time he gave extensively of his time and talent in service of Butler University and its students. He is now a Trustee Chair Emeritus. Keith has been especially generous to the Lacy School of Business and its Old National Bank Center of Business Excellence, offering his business expertise and leadership guidance to students and faculty.
Tina served as Chair of the committee to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Clowes Memorial Hall in 2013. She is a tireless advocate for Butler University within the greater Indianapolis community, making connections for students and alumni and promoting Butler among new partners and employers. Over the years, she has provided meaningful mentorship to many Butler students and alumni.
Jay earned his Butler undergraduate degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1987 and has served on the Board of Trustees since 2006. As CEO of NYX, Inc., an automotive supplier, Jay has served as an employer, mentor, and advocate for Butler students and alumni in the Detroit area. His philanthropic gifts have made a particularly significant impact on the Lacy School of Business and Butler Athletics.
Roop has been a loyal and generous friend to Butler University for many years. Through her hospitality and generosity, she has helped to strengthen Butler’s presence in the Detroit area by building community among prospective students and alumni. Her philanthropic gifts have helped to advance the vision for Butler Athletics and the Lacy School of Business through significant contributions to the renovation of Hinkle Fieldhouse and the construction of Dugan Hall.
Signage for the newly named wings was unveiled while the Board of Trustees was on campus for meetings last week.
Philanthropic gifts fuel our mission. The Office of University Advancement exists to match the Butler community’s philanthropic interests with University needs in support of our strategic direction. Make a gift today or learn more about Butler’s current giving priorities.